Need some advice in selecting a Water softener. I had my water tested and its hardness is 14 grains with no iron or other issues. I met with Culligan, Pelican, GE Avantpure, WaterMax . I also looked at systems with a Fleck 7000 and a Autotrol 268/760. Each vendor is recommending a 48,000 grain system. The main players want around $1,900 for theirs and the generic want about $1,400. This includes install and initial salt. I want a highly efficient system, so far the GE seems to be the best and uses soft water in the regen process. My question are: 1. What makes one system more efficient then the next? I assumed the resin and tank design. 2. If I went with a generic system should I be looking at a certain model tanks? Everyone seems to talk about the values, but I am unable to find out recommend brine tanks or delivery tanks. 3. Is using soft water in the regen process a plus? Thanks is advance.

I am thinking of getting the Watermax for my home because I want more then just softening. The cost is less then it would cost me for a separate carbon system and a water softener. Hardness of my water is 13 grains and my concern is if it has enough softening capacity to handle my home. I have 5 people living in my home. Is there anyone out there who can share their experience with this device that have almost or a more demanding environment then I have. Thanks.